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PM: UK to lead hunger fight

David Cameron said Britain must "lead from the front" and help beat world hunger. He spoke ahead of a protest rally in Hyde Park which demanded the G8 act on the issue. Bill Gates and Danny Boyle addressed the rally.

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Bill Gates thanks hunger rally supporters

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates has thanked supporters for turning out at a rally held in Hyde Park in London today, urging global leaders to fight to stop people dying through lack of food.

Mr Gates tweeted: "Thanks to everyone who came out in London today to help put an end to global hunger. You've inspired us all!"

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates tweets picture from hunger rally. Credit: Twitter/ @BillGates

Beckham's message on hunger: 'There is more to do'

The crowd was also played a video message from former England captain David Beckham.

After the Government committed to giving an extra £375 million to help feed the world's poorest children, Beckham said:

We've had good news. Earlier today the Prime Minister met with other world leaders and has made a real commitment to ending child malnutrition and hunger. There is more to do though and you can help.

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Homeland star: There can be enough food for everyone

Homeland star David Harewood insisted that "there can be enough food for everyone". Speaking at today's rally he added:

"We've already changed the diaries of the G8 leaders, we've already changed their agenda. Now we just need to remind them they need to change the world. That's why we need all of you to speak up today."

David Harewood planting a flower in a visual petition Credit: PA Wire

Fury over injustice of hunger 'has gone on too long'

Alongside the headline speakers at today's protest rally, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams also appeared. Dr Williams led a minute's silence "to reflect on the pain" of death by malnutrition:

Thinking about these unnecessary deaths, there should also be righteous anger. Fury that the injustice of hunger has gone on too long.

And so at the end of our silence, we must make a huge noise, to signify that we will never be silent on the things that matter.

– Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams

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Mass movements of people essential to tackle hunger

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has urged campaigners to keep up the pressure on world leaders to tackle global hunger. In a video address to a rally in Hyde Park organised by the If campaign, the Archbishop said there was an opportunity to "end hunger in our lifetimes":

We've come to celebrate the opportunity we have to end hunger in our lifetimes.

The only way that's going to happen is by mass movements of people, like yourselves, getting together.

In a separate message to a service in Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, the Archbishop said:

In many parts of the world, the churches are the most effective networks, through which generosity from other people can be used most effectively and without actually displacing or diminishing the work of the people on the ground locally - local people developing their own countries.

My prayer would be that in this country and across the world, that we are deeply committed to enabling people to be self-sustaining, so that global hunger can be ended in our lifetimes.

UK to give extra £375 million to help feed world's poor

The UK has committed an additional £375 million of core funding to help feed the world's poorest children, as part of a £2.7 billion global agreement.

Participants at the G8 summit, who signed a Global Nutrition for Growth deal, committed their countries and organisations to:

  • Improving the nutrition of 500 million pregnant women and young children.
  • Reducing the number of children under five who are stunted by an additional 20 million.
  • Saving the lives of at least 1.7 million children by preventing stunting, increasing breastfeeding and better treatment of severe and acute malnutrition.

Hunger leads to 'loss of billions in productivity'

International Development Secretary Justine Greening. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Under-nutrition accounts for the loss of billions of dollars in productivity, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said today, as the government committed to giving an extra £375 million to help feed the world's poorest children.

Ms Greening said: "A strong and healthy workforce is vital if a country's economy is to prosper.

"This means business and science taking a lead in fighting for good nutrition because we understand that better nutrition is the smart way to tackle extreme poverty, child mortality and economic underachievement", she added.

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